Supporting Both 50GB BD Rewritable and Conventional DVD-RAM and DVD-R Discs, the New Model Records 4.5 Hours of Digital HDTV Programs

Osaka, Japan -- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand products, today unveiled the high-end model of the DIGA DVD recorder series, DMR-E700BD. The new model is the world's first DVD recorder that supports single-side, dual-layer Blu-ray Discs (BD) with a maximum capacity of 50 gigabytes. The model can record both digital high-definition (HD) and analog programming.

The DMR-E700BD is capable of recording up to 4.5 hours of digital HD programming or up to 63 hours of analog programming. The new model is equipped with built-in tuners for terrestrial digital broadcasting, Broadcast Satellite (BS), 110-degree Communications Satellite (CS110) and terrestrial analog broadcasting.

Mr. Etsuji Shuda, Director, Home AV Business Unit of Panasonic AVC Networks Company, says, "As digital broadcasting services are expanding, demand for recording and storing HD video is increasing. Our new product responds to such a demand. We believe the upcoming Olympic Summer Games in Athens is one of the factors behind the expanding demands. The new model records superb digital HD video without compromising picture quality."

Supporting DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs, users can choose the most appropriate media for their recording needs. The DMR-E700BD also features the Electronic Program Guide (EPG), allowing users to schedule recording of their favorite programs through easy-to-understand on-screen guides.

The DIGA BD/DVD recorder will be introduced to the Japanese market on July 31, 2004 with an open-price basis.

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